30 Easy Dress Patterns for Beginners
Dresses always help you look your best. From tea to brunch to family dinner, the perfect dress makes you stand out in person and in photos. You can choose from the many options here to find a dress that will suit your needs. Browse short sleeved dresses, long sleeved dresses, minis, maxis, summer versions, and winter cuts to round out your closet. Each dress here is designed for a unique look that will be sewn just for you or your loved one. They have beautiful sleeves and necklines that flatter every body type. You can invest time in the little details on these dresses knowing that you can keep the piece for many occasions to come.
We’ve picked the easiest dresses possible so that even if you are a beginner can make most of them as long as you’ve gone throw a few of these simple sewing projects, know the basics, have a dressmaking sewing machine.
Short Sleeved Dresses Patterns
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Asymetrical Knit Sheath Dress
This dress is perfect for bright summer days. The sleeves are fitted, like the rest of the dress. This is a great body conscious option that is neither too tight nor too short.
via Cotton and Curls
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Knit Tapered Dress with Peter Pan Collar
This dress is another summer favorite. Who doesn’t love the simplicity of short sleeves with an asymmetrical hem? This cut is a breezy option that is perfect for long walks on the beach.
via Cotton and Curls
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One-Hour Dress
This dress is a simple cut that can handle your boldest fabric colors. It is perfect for teas and church gatherings since the neckline is a little on the high side. The hem is not too short.
via CraftyStylish (web archive)
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Vintage-Inspired Boxy Dress
This dress can also handle bold fabrics. This carefree option features a simple box cut that makes moving about easy. Its hem isn’t too short and the neckline is higher, giving you visual room for statement shoes and leggings.
via Cotton and Curls
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Contrasting Raglan Sleeve Dress
Who doesn’t love a raglan sleeve for active days? When you’re out and about, this dress helps you don chic prints without looking overloaded. This cut is perfect for days spent shopping or just getting ice cream.
via Cotton and Curls
Long-Sleeved Dresses Patterns
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Hanging on a Cliff Dress
This is the quintessential professional dress. You will want to check out this cut for your darker fabrics or maybe even a black professional dress. You will look slimmer in this clean cut that is form-fitting but not too tight.
via Rhonda Buss
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High Slit Maxi Dress
This dress looks amazing in bold prints. This option sports lovely short sleeves and a breezy skirt with a long slit. You will want to check this one out for summer barbecues.
via Elle’s Apparel
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Hope Wrap Dress
This is possibly the perfect work dress. Look for your neutral fabrics for this one, so that you can wear lots of statement jewelry. This slimming cut features a ribbon and a medium-length hemline.
via Burda Style
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Neon Twister Dress
This is a fun dress for when you dress up at work, or go volunteering during the holidays. Pull out the wilder directional prints with neon colors for this one. It features a slimming twist at the waist to keep you looking professional.
via Burda Style (web archive)
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Bat Wing Dress
This beautiful dress is on the shorter side hem-wise. It features long bat wing sleeves for a sleek, sophisticated look. You will want to pull this dress on for entertaining over the holidays.
via MimiG style
Mini Dresses patterns
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Shirt Dress
Who said minis couldn’t be longer on top? This sophisticated shirt dress will help you rock a print really well. It sports a color and clean tailoring up top so that you look classy while out to brunch.
via Bernina’s Blog
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Loose Shift
The loose shift dress looks amazing in neutral prints. It sports a higher neckline and light tailoring for a breezy look. You can let your hair down with this option while you have tea at home.
via BurdaStyle (web archive)
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Lace Strapless Dress
This strapless option is a tailored mini with a full skirt. The bust is not cut too low, but its is lower than some. This cut looks amazing in lace and can sport some color as well.
via BurdaStyle (web archive)
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T-Shirt Mini Dress
This dress looks posh in neutrals. It sports a sophisticated wide neckline that balances out the mini skirt. You can wear this with statement stockings and your best necklaces for a sleek, modern look.
via Burda Style (web archive_)
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Wrap Dress
Rock a floral print in this mini for a fun, carefree vibe. This is an optimal choice for traveling or shopping on the boardwalk. This dress also happens to look amazing with a cardigan.
via Mood Fabrics
Maxi Dresses – Free Patterns
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It’s a Cinch Maxi
This dress can make a print stand out like no other. You will look like a million bucks in this tailored option with a straighter skirt that flares at the bottom. Perfect for summer family gatherings.
via Aida Makes
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The Soho Maxi
This vibrant maxi has spaghetti straps and a ruffle around the bust. It’s just right for wearing downtown for a summer night out while you talk the hours away with friends.
via Sew Much Ado
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Hint of Vintage Maxi Dress
This is a warm-looking dress that really makes a stripe stand out. You will find the higher neckline and cap sleeve perfect for church gatherings and family lunches.
via Icandy Handymade
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Two-Tone Maxi Sundress
This is a unique dress with an extra color peeking through the neckline and the split hem. The added details make a great focal point for those who are shorter while adding personality.
via Flamingo Toes
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Scoop Neck Maxi
This dress can handle a really unique textured fabric if you so choose. It sports a gently scooped neckline and short sleeves that are angled just right for a whimsical look.
via Cotton&Curls
Winter Dresses – FREE Patterns
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Paper Bag Dress
This is a beautifully draped piece that will round out your winter wardrobe. It sports larger sleeves and loose tailoring for a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
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Japanese Twister Dress
This dress features a high collar and a shorter hemline. You can easily take this dress out for dinner or to a function. It covers up top nicely.
via Sewing and Style
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The Nadja Dress
This dress features a larger collar that hearkens to vintage days. It looks great with silk details on the neckline and cuffs. Perfect for school functions or professional meetings.
via BurdaStyle (web archive)
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My Favorite Tee Dress
This is the perfect dress to cozy up with in the winter. It features an easy cut that has the comfort of your favorite tee shirt.
via Icandy Handmade
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Day Dress
This day dress is possibly the quintessential student dress, but it might be the perfect about-town dress also. Try it in polka dots for a chic look.
Summer Dresses
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Tulip Dress
This beauty features a wrapped hem and a straight neckline to balance it out. Possibly the most wearable dress for summer-it goes virtually everywhere.
via Felted Fox
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Chevron Dress
This outstanding piece requires matched pieces of fabric, but it’s worth it. You can sport this dress everywhere from the boardwalk to church.
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The Museum Tunic
This is a great piece to use that bordered fabric up on. It features larger sleeves and a deep V neckline, but it looks so sophisticated! Try it for that museum trip or to book club.
via AnnaMaria Horner
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Lace Dress
Everyone loves a good lace dress. This chic version sews up amazing in white, but it’s not limited to that. You can try a large or small lace with this one.
via Cotton&Curls
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Cap Sleeve Sheath
This is a classic shape that looks great in brights but works for neutrals too. You can wear this one everywhere, from the library to luncheon.
via Craftsy (link to webarchive as pattern no longer exists on their site)
There you have them – a collection with the most interesting FREE dress sewing patterns for beginner sewists! Let us know which dress or dresses you like most.
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